A warm storm moving through British Columbia this weekend is heightening avalanche risks during a particularly dangerous time of the year for avalanches in Canada, according to forecasters. Environment and Climate Change Canada predicts that the system will bring precipitation, strong winds, and rising freezing levels across much of the province, potentially leading to increased snowfall at higher elevations in the coming days.
The avalanche danger is expected to peak on Saturday in areas such as the North Shore Mountains in the South Coast region, as freezing levels are forecasted to rise above 1,500 to 1,800 meters. Brian Proctor, a meteorologist with the weather agency, emphasized the likelihood of problematic precipitation, with rain possibly falling on existing snow in mountainous regions, a combination that can escalate avalanche risks. Karina Bakker, a forecaster with Avalanche Canada, explained that storms introducing new snow or rain on top of existing snow layers can add pressure, potentially causing layers to collapse or slide, triggering dangerous avalanches.
The current risk factor is attributed to “persistent slab” conditions, where a layer of snow sits atop weaker snow buried deeper in the snowpack. Bakker highlighted that these weak layers, located between 50 to 150 centimeters deep, can make avalanches harder to predict, as warning signs may not be as evident compared to other types of avalanches. As a result, triggering a collapse in these deeper layers can lead to significant avalanches.
March historically records the highest number of avalanche fatalities, with 69 deaths in Canada over the past two decades during this month. Bakker explained that March poses higher risks due to the evolution of the snowpack during the winter months, with multiple layers forming as cold spells, storms, and warm periods cycle through. This complexity in the snowpack can increase the chances of dangerous avalanches.
Since December 2025, five avalanche-related deaths have occurred in British Columbia, including incidents involving a 23-year-old snowmobiler near Kootenay Pass and a professional snowboarder near Joffre Lakes Park. Avalanche Canada recommends that individuals venturing into the backcountry stay updated on daily forecasts and opt for conservative terrain choices to mitigate risks. Sticking to slopes under 30 degrees during considerable avalanche danger and avoiding avalanche-prone areas entirely when the danger rating is high are among the safety precautions advised by forecasters.
